Europe is the ideal destination for those looking for variety. Medieval cities, picturesque villages, beaches, mountain trails, cultural festivals – everything is nearby and accessible. However, as prices rise, the question “how to travel in Europe and not go broke” is more relevant than ever. In this article we will tell you where to go and how to save money.
If you want to feel the real Europe and keep within a moderate budget, start with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Romania, Albania and Montenegro still offer excellent quality for reasonable money. For example, in Budapest you can dine in a restaurant for €6-8, and in Tirana you can rent accommodation for €25-30 per night.
Portugal and southern Spain are also considered some of the most budget-friendly regions in Western Europe, especially if traveling out of season. Towns like Porto, Cadiz or Seville offer the atmosphere of old Europe, rich cuisine and are not as hard on the wallet as Paris or London.
To save money on transportation, take buses and low-cost carriers. Companies like FlixBus, BlaBlaCar, Ryanair and WizzAir offer tickets between countries starting at €10. Within cities, opt for public transportation or bike rentals – most capitals and major cities are well-developed and accessible.
Housing eats up most of your budget in Europe, but you can find a way out here too. Hostels, Airbnb, apartments with a kitchen or couchsurfing can help you save a lot of money. In large cities you can look for accommodation not in the center, but in residential areas near the subway – it is cheaper and gives you the opportunity to see the “non-touristy” side of Europe.
You don’t have to eat fast food to save money on food. There are plenty of local markets in Europe where you can buy fresh produce and cook your own food. In some countries, such as Italy or Greece, you can find trattorias and taverns with home cooking, where a full meal costs only €10-12.
Many European cities offer free walking tours – Free Walking Tours. This is a great way to learn about the history of the city and see the main sights without spending too much. It’s also worth checking in advance which days museums and galleries are free – almost every major city has such days.
Seasonality is another important factor. Traveling in May, September or October will help you avoid tourist crowds, high prices and heat. It is at this time that tickets, accommodation and even entrance fees to attractions can be 30-40% cheaper.
Traveling in Europe doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is planning, flexibility and a little ingenuity. Use low-cost airlines, book accommodation in advance, choose non-standard destinations, and you will discover Europe from a new, affordable side – full of impressions, tastes and stories.
